Obituary – Mary Ann Blessing
Saturday, February 14, 2026

Mary Ann Blessing, age 67, went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2026, in Bristol, Tennessee. Born in Rockville, Maryland, Mary Ann lived a life marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and tireless service to others.
Mary Ann was married for 43 years to her devoted husband, Herschel Blessing, with whom she built a life centered on faith and family. Together, they raised a family grounded in faith and love.
She was a beloved mother and grandmother, known for loving people deeply and serving them faithfully. Mary Ann is survived by her sons Greg (wife Shana) and Ben (wife Lydia), and her daughter MaryBeth (husband Lucas). She was a proud grandmother to Alex, Avery, Anderson, Aniston, Aiden, Annabelle, Addilyn, and Eleanor, each of whom brought her immense joy.
Mary Ann is also survived by her brothers Henry (preceded in death by sister in law Jeanie), Jim and sister in law April, John and sister in law Joan, Joe and sister in law Cindy, and Jeff and sister in law Terri, all of whom shared in a close family bond rooted in love and faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mary Gregory.
For more than 40 years, Mary Ann devoted her life to serving others through ministry and her work for Kingsway Charities. The global impact Kingsway Charities has made is outstanding. Since 2000, the ministry has distributed over $4.1 billion in medications and medical supplies worldwide. In 2025, the ministry distributed over $483 million in medications and medical supplies, 374 relief trips, 24 international containers, and inspired 2,834 volunteer hours. But if you knew Mary Ann you would know that the statistic she was most proud of was the 22,710 individuals decisions made for Christ. She was on fire for God and it showed in her family and work.
She was a prayer warrior, a quiet servant, and a behind-the-scenes leader who never sought recognition but faithfully answered God’s call. She organized, encouraged, listened, prayed, and showed up, again and again, for people in need. To know Mary Ann was to experience compassion, steadiness, and Christlike love in action. She truly never met a stranger.
Mary Ann’s legacy is not only found in the ministries she led or the lives she touched, but in the faith she lived out daily, faith that shaped her family, strengthened her community, and pointed countless people toward hope.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16th, 2026, at 134 Commerce Court, Bristol, Virginia, with family visitation from 3:00–4:00 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship and visitation with the family from 4:00–6:00 p.m. The service will begin at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kingsway Charities, honoring Mary Ann’s lifelong commitment to ministry and service.
While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now fully healed, fully whole, and in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so faithfully.
More Stories |
-
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) and its Youth Council will manage the WHTA Fireworks & Freedom Horse Show, scheduled for July 1-2 at the Bedford County Agricultural Center.
Read More
-
After careful consideration and in the best interest of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, Julie Graham has announced that she will postpone her planned horse show originally scheduled for July 1-2 at the Bedford County Agricultural Center.
Read More
-
The Putnam County Fair Horse Show, scheduled for June 19, 2026, has announced a change to its program. Class 10, Lite Shod Adult O/T, will now be designated as a Riders' Cup class.
Read More
-
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association would like to announce some important changes to the 2026 Horse of the Year Program. World Champions and World Grand Champions will still be automatic nominees however, the program has done away with the three show requirement and has increased the number of nominees in each division from five to eight.
Read More
-
The Walking Horse Owners' Association is pleased to announce the Judging Panel for the 48th Annual International Grand Championship. The following three individuals were selected through online voting by current WHOA members.
Read More
-
Effective June 30th with The Prodigy qualifiers, SHOW judges will be reinstating and enforcing the rule of horses entering the ring at a flat walk and proceeding past a set marker so the horse’s way of going can be evaluated for locomotion. The increased emphasis on the rule came as a result of a meeting between the SHOW Judges’ Committee and the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Task Force.
Read More
-
Read More
-
The Report wishes to extend sympathy to owner and exhibitor, Terry Lowman, on the loss of her son, Chris Helton. Thoughts and prayers are with Terry and Chris’s family during this time.
Read More
-
The SHOW HIO will host its annual judges training and continuing education on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Myatt Manor Stables. This will be the first continuing education for judges to happen during the season instead of prior to the season.
Read More
-
The Shelbyville Tennis Club Horse Show that will be held on June 19, 2026, at the Bedford County Agriculture Center in Shelbyville, Tennessee, has added Class 16a, which will be Amateur Five & Under Lite-Shot, Optional Tack.
Read More
|